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Commission recommends four legacy businesses for registry amid concerns about displacement
Summary
The commission recommended four businesses for San Francisco's Legacy Business Registry — EHS Pilates, La Raza Centro Legal, Moshi Moshi and the San Francisco Zen Center — citing long service to neighborhoods and risk of displacement; nominations passed unanimously.
The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 21 to recommend four nominations for the city’s Legacy Business Registry.
Shelly Keltzeroni of preservation staff presented four applications: EHS Pilates (Valencia Street), La Raza Centro Legal (Centro del Pueblo at 474 Valencia Street), Moshi Moshi (Third Street in Dogpatch) and the San Francisco Zen Center (300 Page Street). Staff described the businesses’ histories, community roles and the features they recommend be safeguarded — for example, training and certificate programs for EHS Pilates, La Raza’s legal and social services, Moshi Moshi’s cuisine and rotating art programs, and the Zen Center’s residential and communal spaces designed by Julia Morgan.
Owners and representatives spoke in support: Tracy Sylvester (EHS Pilates) described long-term neighborhood ties and lease pressures; Amanda Alvarado Ford (La Raza) summarized La Raza’s legal services to immigrant communities; representatives for Moshi Moshi and the Zen Center described the businesses’ cultural and neighborhood contributions.
Commissioners praised the nominees and recognized the displacement pressures facing small businesses in the city. Commissioner Jones expressed particular support for La Raza’s community services, and Commissioner Pearlman noted the prevalence of rising rents and the need to protect long-standing community assets.
The commission-approved recommendations will move forward in the legacy-business process; staff will return with final resolutions and any follow-up required to place businesses on the registry.
